Manager Ruben Amorim says that switching Manchester United's tactical system due to media scrutiny would have signaled "the end" for him.
In a first against Newcastle United, Amorim ditched his trademark back three setup with wide defenders and opted to field an traditional back four with two central midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this at times transformed into a six-man defensive block in the final minutes as his squad clung on for a victory - securing only their second clean sheet of the campaign.
Although he once memorably said that not even the Pope could force him to change his approach, Amorim asserts the option to utilize varied formations has remained part of his long-term vision.
Yet, he emphasizes he could only make the switch when his team were faring well enough - or else it would look as if he was bowing to external noise.
"When I arrived here the previous campaign, I understood maybe I lacked the players to excel in a back three, but it was the commencement of a project," he said.
"Our aim was to build an identity. Today is a separate juncture. We don't have a lot of players, and we must adjust, so they comprehend the reason we are changing.
"It is not because of the influence of you guys, or the faithful.
"Whenever media discuss altering the system repeatedly, I cannot change because the squad will believe I'm altering things because of you and I feel that is the end for the manager.
"When we are playing well in our system, that becomes the moment to adapt.
"We are going to grow into a better side because when our full complement of personnel are back, we are not going to play with a back three in every match."
Injury Challenges Loom Large
Having just two wins in eight games before beating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is correct to claim his side have been in good form.
He is, though, working with a depleted roster, with seven senior stars already unavailable for the forthcoming home game against winless Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That figure will increase if playmaker Mason Mount is unable to recover the knock that forced his exit from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is among those who will be absent for the Wolves match, even though he is understood to be pressing his manager to let him to make a comeback after his hamstring problem.
"Bruno is already telling me he has to train," revealed Amorim. "However there is absolutely no possibility he is going to feature against Wolves. No chance. You can write that."
The Captain's Leadership Endures
Nevertheless, the 31-year-old will probably still be heavily involved, as whereas most injured stars view matches from the stands, Fernandes was observed keeping a close eye on the pre-match routines from the mouth of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his leader to continue offering input.
"The guy is a natural leader," he affirmed. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is absent, he's silent and speaking. He's always communicating. That is the reason he's the skipper.
"There are flaws sometimes - his mannerisms he gesticulates - but he has a multitude of good things. After he recovers, he goes to observe the other guys practicing. There are a lot of aspects that go unnoticed.
"I'm not sure if he wants my position or not, but he's a born leader. He is a leader."
Recovery Schedule for Injured Players
Although the precise timeline for the captain's comeback - and that of other unavailable players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unknown, before the conclusion of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.
